What are the common types of socks

There are various common types of socks available in the market. To purchase a pair of socks that satisfies your preferences, it is essential to understand the materials and composition of socks. Only with this basic knowledge can you select the most suitable socks for yourself.

Socks are composed of an outer layer and an inner layer fabric. The outer layer fabric, commonly referred to as the material of the socks, and the inner layer fabric are constructed using a covering yarn. The covering yarn typically consists of polyester or nylon fibers wrapped around a core of spandex, which provides elasticity, while the polyester/nylon fibers reinforce durability. For example, when people mention "pure cotton socks," they are typically made from 100% cotton yarn and covered with a spandex yarn. The final fiber content of the socks is approximately 75-80% cotton and 20-25% covering yarn (with around 3% spandex as elastic fiber and the rest being polyester or nylon). It should be understood that even with so-called pure cotton socks, it is not possible for them to be 100% cotton since they need elastic fibers. Socks without elasticity wouldn't be wearable.

Now that we have covered the basic knowledge

Let's discuss the most common varieties of socks available in the market, specifically focusing on the fibers used in the outer layer fabric.

1. Cotton Socks:

Cotton is the most common and widely used natural plant fiber. Depending on the length of the cotton fibers, there are regular cotton and long-staple cotton varieties, with long-staple cotton being the superior quality. Based on the manufacturing process, cotton can be either ordinary combed cotton or combed cotton. Combed cotton undergoes a process where shorter fibers and impurities are removed, resulting in longer and more uniform cotton fibers. Combed cotton offers a finer, smoother, and neater texture.

2. Viscose Socks:

Viscose, also known as rayon, is one of the most common synthetic fibers. It is produced from either cotton linters or wood pulp and is classified as a regenerated cellulose fiber. Viscose socks provide a soft, flowing, smooth, and lustrous texture.

3. Tencel Socks:

Tencel, initially a trademark name for a fiber produced by a British company, now registered as Tencel in China, is another type of viscose. Tencel fabric has excellent luster and a soft feel.

4. Modal Socks:

Modal is another type of viscose fiber developed and produced by Lenzing AG in Austria. It is made from beechwood, which is turned into pulp and then spun into fibers. Modal fabric offers a significant level of softness and comfort.

5. Bamboo Fiber Socks:

Bamboo fiber can be categorized into three types: bamboo original fiber, bamboo pulp fiber, and bamboo charcoal fiber.

- Bamboo Original Fiber: Bamboo original fiber is derived from bamboo through a process involving enzymatic dewaxing. It has a texture similar to hemp and offers the strongest antibacterial and deodorizing properties among natural fiber options. However, it is also the most expensive, as extracting one ton of bamboo original fiber requires approximately 17-20 tons of bamboo raw materials.
- Bamboo Pulp Fiber: This is commonly referred to as bamboo fiber. It is made by turning bamboo into pulp and then spinning it into fibers using a wet spinning process similar to viscose. Bamboo pulp fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber and has a silky, soft, and smooth texture. It provides antibacterial and deodorizing properties, as well as humidity absorption and ventilation.

- Bamboo Charcoal Fiber: Bamboo charcoal fiber involves using nanotechnology to pulverize bamboo charcoal and then incorporating it into chemical fibers such as polyester, viscose, or nylon. The main component of bamboo charcoal fiber is the chemical fiber (such as polyester, viscose, or acrylic). Due to the presence of bamboo charcoal, it also possesses antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

6. Bast Fiber Socks:

Bast fibers include hemp, flax, and ramie.

Hemp is a natural plant fiber extracted from the stem of the hemp plant using a process called retting. The most common types of hemp used for socks are hemp, flax, and ramie. They possess natural antibacterial properties, deodorizing capabilities, UV protection, moisture absorption, and ventilation. Hemp has a slightly coarse texture and is often blended with cotton.

With this knowledge of textile basics, you can now confidently choose the socks that best suit your needs and preferences.

Zhejiang Luoqi Socks Co.,Ltd was established in 2003,covering an area of 13,320 ㎡workshop and 15,141.7 ㎡ office building.We mainly produce all kinds of high-end socks and provide product service solutions for more than 30 well-known brands in the world.

During the past two decades,we have certificated by Costco,Walmart,WRAP,BSCI,SLCP,HIGG,GRS,Oeko-Tex,NBCU and many other international certifications in the oversea trade.

In addition, our company certificated as a national high-tech enterprise in 2021,and was rated as a digital workshop demonstration enterprise in zhuji city in 2020 & 2021.